In a ceremony held in the Greely Hall Auditorium Feb. 27, Network Enterprise Technology Command officials announced their 2012 Civilian of the Year.
Tina Delaney, a program integration support analyst with NETCOM's Operations Management Division, was selected the 2012 Civilian of the Year for her outstanding work as a lead analyst in supporting the Army-wide command, control, communications, computers and information management services that NETCOM provides as part of its mission.
Prior to the announcement, guest speaker Dr. Michael Gentry, former senior technical director of NETCOM, talked about the history of the civilian workforce in the United States Army. He emphasized the value and impact civilians have had within NETCOM and how its use of a civilian workforce exceeds the ratio of the Army as a whole.
"Above else, the Army is people," Gentry said. "The Army team includes the active Army, National Guard, Army Reserves, the civilian employees, and support of contractors, as well."
Gentry then encouraged all civilian federal employees in the audience to stay strong during the current climate of uncertainty with the looming possibilities of layoffs and furloughs. He stressed that despite these challenges, all Department of the Army civilians still have a sworn obligation to support the Army and our nation as members of the Army Civilian Corps.
"As the Army becomes smaller and more dependent on technology, the support of dedicated civilians to America's Army, especially you supporting NETCOM, will only increase in importance. Civilians are irreplaceable players on the Army team and I know that you as members of the Army Civilian Corps today will continue to write a proud and lasting legacy in support of the nation's defense," concluded Gentry.
Maj. Gen. Alan Lynn, commanding general, NETCOM, followed Gentry's remarks with a reminder to everyone to never take for granted all the hard work civilians do and valuable contributions they make to help NETCOM accomplish its mission.
"Sometimes when you get up in the morning and go to work, it can be easy to forget about how important what you do is to the overall mission of the United States Army," Lynn said. "But the truth is, where our civilians are concerned, as Soldiers we couldn't do what we do without their dedication and hard work on a daily basis."
All 12 Civilians of the Month for 2012 were awarded the Civilian Achievement Award for their selection as the monthly winners. Afterwards, Lynn shared a playful moment with the Army's band drummer, who provided an energetic drum roll as the general opened the envelope and revealed Delaney as the 2012 Civilian of the Year.
In addition to her award received earlier, Delaney was also presented the Superior Civilian Service Award. After accepting the medals, Delaney spoke about the positive influences of mentors and read quotes she keeps posted around her work station and spoken by historic leaders. Then she praised coworkers and family members who supported her efforts during work on various projects.
Wrapping up the ceremony, Daniel Bradford, deputy to the commander for NETCOM, spoke about the teamwork and importance of the current workforce.
"Our Nation is one of civilian rule established through the electoral process -- all citizens get a voice in who will lead us," Bradford said. "The citizenry ultimately holds the power on who will govern, and our system epitomizes the characteristics of a democratic society. Our civilian leadership defines policy, and our military is one instrument of executing that policy."
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